The former New Zealand skipper dubbed their woeful display in Ireland as a case of "men against youngsters".

He scathingly said Ireland treated Wales "with contempt" at the set-piece scrums and line-outs.

And Fitzpatrick went on to declare that Wales desperately need a fully-fit Colin Charvis back for the Millennium Stadium clash with France on Sunday week.

Fitzpatrick, reflecting upon Sunday's 36-15 Dublin hiding, rounded on the Welsh forwards and in particular the front five.

"It was like youngsters playing against men, particularly in the tight five," said ex-hooker Fitzpatrick.

"The Welsh were treated with contempt in the scrums and line-outs. Ireland did what they wanted basically. Wales are a very young team and a team that is growing and learning. But they got exposed on Sunday.

"It was just the lack of experience more than anything."

Fitzpatrick said the absence of back-row man Charvis - who was ruled out because of a dislocated finger - was a key factor in the manner of Wales' defeat.

"They missed Charvis terribly in terms of a hard attitude and banging into people and hurting them," said Fitzpatrick.

Meanwhile, France coach Bernard Laporte has warned his players to be wary of a Welsh backlash when they come to Cardiff on March 7.